Comments on: Should you give to beggars? http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/ Christian Personal Finance - Financial help, debt help and other financial resources Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:30:02 -0600 hourly 1 By: Arthur Clarke http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/comment-page-1/#comment-16172 Arthur Clarke Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:09:23 +0000 http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/#comment-16172 I found this verse which has helped me. 2 Corinthians 9:7 "Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver." (RSV). Another translation has for 'not...under compulsion', the phrase "without pressure". Perhaps it's a matter of deciding unemotionally ahead of time how to handle things . It's still not easy often. I found this verse which has helped me. 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver.” (RSV). Another translation has for ‘not…under compulsion’, the phrase “without pressure”. Perhaps it’s a matter of deciding unemotionally ahead of time how to handle things . It’s still not easy often.

]]> By: Opv http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/comment-page-1/#comment-16171 Opv Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:38:03 +0000 http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/#comment-16171 I appreciate the post, and the comments. This is an issue with which I have struggled for years. I can appreciate the approach that we should give with a heart for Christ and not fret so much with whether we are being "taken," so to speak. Of course, that's easier for one-time situations. It is not so easy for those situations that arise repeatedly. That's where my difficulty arises. I have a dear brother in Christ who has repeatedly come to me for help. I have been warned by his blood brother that he has a history of that practice with people in the churches he's attended. So, where does one draw the line, or does he? How many times do you help the same person when he is asking not for a couple of bucks but for substantial assistance? While it is true that the story of the Good Samaritan admonishes us to demonstrate Christian love and charity, it does not at the same time instruct us how to balance such acts of kindness with Paul's commandment set forth in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, which states, "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." Therein lies my struggle. Thanks again for raising the question. I appreciate the post, and the comments. This is an issue with which I have struggled for years. I can appreciate the approach that we should give with a heart for Christ and not fret so much with whether we are being “taken,” so to speak. Of course, that’s easier for one-time situations. It is not so easy for those situations that arise repeatedly. That’s where my difficulty arises. I have a dear brother in Christ who has repeatedly come to me for help. I have been warned by his blood brother that he has a history of that practice with people in the churches he’s attended. So, where does one draw the line, or does he? How many times do you help the same person when he is asking not for a couple of bucks but for substantial assistance?

While it is true that the story of the Good Samaritan admonishes us to demonstrate Christian love and charity, it does not at the same time instruct us how to balance such acts of kindness with Paul’s commandment set forth in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, which states, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” Therein lies my struggle.

Thanks again for raising the question.

]]> By: JoeTaxpayer http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/comment-page-1/#comment-15966 JoeTaxpayer Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:46:48 +0000 http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/#comment-15966 I told Jane 2.0 (my 11yr old) a story; Two men of the cloth are walking in a city. One pulls out a dollar for every hand out. The other just keeps his hands in his pocket. The non-giver says that he'd rather donate to organized charity, on the chance that one of the beggars will buy alcohol or drugs. The giver replies he'd rather give to everyone in the hope that even one will buy food. On our last trip to the city, my daughter brought ten singles and said we'd take turns giving to anyone who asked. Joe I told Jane 2.0 (my 11yr old) a story;
Two men of the cloth are walking in a city. One pulls out a dollar for every hand out. The other just keeps his hands in his pocket.
The non-giver says that he’d rather donate to organized charity, on the chance that one of the beggars will buy alcohol or drugs.
The giver replies he’d rather give to everyone in the hope that even one will buy food.

On our last trip to the city, my daughter brought ten singles and said we’d take turns giving to anyone who asked.
Joe

]]> By: Arthur Clarke http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/comment-page-1/#comment-15771 Arthur Clarke Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:16:49 +0000 http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/#comment-15771 I'm from South Africa. I've just been to your site because I needed help. I'm a committed Christian. And I give to the poor. The problem is there are millions of poor. Someone But here is my point. You give (generously) to one -- and then you've had it! Again, and again and again the door bell rings. People won't take "no" for an answer. They try to wear you out. I want guidelines on when NOT to give. I think I'm going to up my donations to organized charity and never give to individuals again. Any views? I’m from South Africa. I’ve just been to your site because I needed help. I’m a committed Christian. And I give to the poor. The problem is there are millions of poor. Someone But here is my point. You give (generously) to one — and then you’ve had it! Again, and again and again the door bell rings. People won’t take “no” for an answer. They try to wear you out. I want guidelines on when NOT to give. I think I’m going to up my donations to organized charity and never give to individuals again. Any views?

]]> By: Nikki http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/comment-page-1/#comment-15768 Nikki Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:53:05 +0000 http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/#comment-15768 I see lots of comments about helping by giving food or tangible items instead of money, as well as about donating to direct service organizations that provide a meal or shelter to those that need it. I think even more important than both these worthwhile things is to address the systemic issues: WHY are there people who are mentally ill and not receiving the care they need? WHY are there people who cannot rely on their families? WHY is it more difficult for some people to find or keep work, through no fault of their own? And what can we do to provide care, encourage and strengthen families, reduce discrimination, help those in poverty get the transportation or write the resume or have the right suit or use the hidden norms of the workplace or make the call or find the childcare or get the skills or overcome any of the other logistical hurdles in their path to stable employment? Another perspective: there is a long Christian tradition of those who voluntarily assume poverty, up to and including begging for their daily needs, and we typically consider these people extremely faithful and admire their choice to reject the "love of money". Then we also have the ingrained Protestant work ethic: if you work hard, you will get what you deserve (therefore if you are poor you must conversely be lazy.) A bit of paradox in our perceptions about poverty there. I think that we have to accept that the Bible has examples of both these positions, which have since been amplified by our own experiences, and we need to look at the complexities of the world we live in to find the best answer about how to view poverty: because how those of us who are privileged perceive the poor affects how we treat the poor. I see lots of comments about helping by giving food or tangible items instead of money, as well as about donating to direct service organizations that provide a meal or shelter to those that need it. I think even more important than both these worthwhile things is to address the systemic issues: WHY are there people who are mentally ill and not receiving the care they need? WHY are there people who cannot rely on their families? WHY is it more difficult for some people to find or keep work, through no fault of their own? And what can we do to provide care, encourage and strengthen families, reduce discrimination, help those in poverty get the transportation or write the resume or have the right suit or use the hidden norms of the workplace or make the call or find the childcare or get the skills or overcome any of the other logistical hurdles in their path to stable employment?
Another perspective: there is a long Christian tradition of those who voluntarily assume poverty, up to and including begging for their daily needs, and we typically consider these people extremely faithful and admire their choice to reject the “love of money”. Then we also have the ingrained Protestant work ethic: if you work hard, you will get what you deserve (therefore if you are poor you must conversely be lazy.) A bit of paradox in our perceptions about poverty there. I think that we have to accept that the Bible has examples of both these positions, which have since been amplified by our own experiences, and we need to look at the complexities of the world we live in to find the best answer about how to view poverty: because how those of us who are privileged perceive the poor affects how we treat the poor.

]]> By: Noelle http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/comment-page-1/#comment-13552 Noelle Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:18:09 +0000 http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/#comment-13552 Hi, I agree with being led by the Holy Spirit when giving to people who are begging. A few weeks ago a boy I've seen around town asked me for money outside a grocery store. I had not given him money before. This time I felt led to give him $20. He jumped up and followed me to thank me profusely, saying he needed money to take the bus to Portland (from Salem, OR) and this would get him halfway to the amount he needed. I definitely wait to follow God's lead when I'm approached by someone asking for money. On the other hand, I was stopped at a freeway off ramp where beggars frequently sit, and offered a man a muffin (all I had to give at the time). He refused, saying "my mouth is too dry already"! Obviously he wasn't extremely needy! Thanks for your post :-) Hi,
I agree with being led by the Holy Spirit when giving to people who are begging. A few weeks ago a boy I’ve seen around town asked me for money outside a grocery store. I had not given him money before. This time I felt led to give him $20. He jumped up and followed me to thank me profusely, saying he needed money to take the bus to Portland (from Salem, OR) and this would get him halfway to the amount he needed. I definitely wait to follow God’s lead when I’m approached by someone asking for money.

On the other hand, I was stopped at a freeway off ramp where beggars frequently sit, and offered a man a muffin (all I had to give at the time). He refused, saying “my mouth is too dry already”! Obviously he wasn’t extremely needy!

Thanks for your post :-)

]]> By: Luke http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/comment-page-1/#comment-12683 Luke Thu, 28 May 2009 18:00:41 +0000 http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/#comment-12683 Hmm, i am sadden again When i read this article i thought that in the comment section i would most likely find a verbal argument between Christians right out in the open for anyone to see. I was not mistaken... We must understand that many of these points are very valid, and I agree we must be lead by the holy spirit in order to see who we should help. The reality is some do take advantage of you, i have worked closely with my friends on the street, many have what you can make of a home, many get government subsidies, but they need our love. When we buy them food they may need we have shown them an act of kindness, but they have needs that plunge deep into their soul that no value menu at McDonalds can buy them. They need friendship, acceptance, love. Many of our brothers and sisters on the street have experienced rejection far greater than we can bare to believe. They need to be valued, and it takes more than 5 minutes to do so. They need to be restored, by God through us. Please if you are serious about helping the people you pass by in the street find a way to get involved in their life on a much deeper level. If you are in Toronto look up Sanctuary Ministries they would love for you to come be a part of their community. Hmm, i am sadden again
When i read this article i thought that in the comment section i would most likely find a verbal argument between Christians right out in the open for anyone to see. I was not mistaken…

We must understand that many of these points are very valid, and I agree we must be lead by the holy spirit in order to see who we should help. The reality is some do take advantage of you, i have worked closely with my friends on the street, many have what you can make of a home, many get government subsidies, but they need our love. When we buy them food they may need we have shown them an act of kindness, but they have needs that plunge deep into their soul that no value menu at McDonalds can buy them. They need friendship, acceptance, love. Many of our brothers and sisters on the street have experienced rejection far greater than we can bare to believe. They need to be valued, and it takes more than 5 minutes to do so. They need to be restored, by God through us. Please if you are serious about helping the people you pass by in the street find a way to get involved in their life on a much deeper level. If you are in Toronto look up Sanctuary Ministries they would love for you to come be a part of their community.

]]> By: bob http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/comment-page-1/#comment-11871 bob Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:39:16 +0000 http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/#comment-11871 John, you are exactly right, that you and I don't know what is best for him - which also means that assuming giving him money will help him is equally as foolish... Which is why I wrote in the article ... "we never know the whole situation and we have to be led by the Holy Spirit when making these decisions. After all, who are we to judge? God knows what is going on in the beggar's life and what will help them the most." John,
you are exactly right, that you and I don’t know what is best for him – which also means that assuming giving him money will help him is equally as foolish…

Which is why I wrote in the article … “we never know the whole situation and we have to be led by the Holy Spirit when making these decisions. After all, who are we to judge? God knows what is going on in the beggar’s life and what will help them the most.”

]]> By: John http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/comment-page-1/#comment-11869 John Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:27:08 +0000 http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/#comment-11869 Genuine love is about treating other people with respect and treating them as they would like to be treated. How do YOU know what is best for HIM? It seems pretty egotistical for you to think that you know what is in his best interests. By implying that you know what is in the best interests of that homeless man, you are placing yourself above him and looking down upon him as his superior. Genuine love is about treating other people with respect and treating them as they would like to be treated. How do YOU know what is best for HIM? It seems pretty egotistical for you to think that you know what is in his best interests. By implying that you know what is in the best interests of that homeless man, you are placing yourself above him and looking down upon him as his superior.

]]> By: Calin - about wealthy beggars in Romania http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/comment-page-1/#comment-11068 Calin - about wealthy beggars in Romania Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:11:36 +0000 http://www.christianpf.com/dont-give-to-the-poor/#comment-11068 I live in Romania (Europe) and we are somehow used to see beggars on the street. Sometimes I give them some change, sometimes I do not. Point is, I have seen a very smart sign in one of the cities I visited (Bucharest) and it said: "If you knew that a beggar makes 1500 USD/month, will you still give him money?" Now, I am aware that no all of them are making this money, but still can make a lot more then a regular salary. It could be that some are in a big need, therefore the safe way is to give them food or buying them food on the spot. Greetings from Cluj! I live in Romania (Europe) and we are somehow used to see beggars on the street. Sometimes I give them some change, sometimes I do not. Point is, I have seen a very smart sign in one of the cities I visited (Bucharest) and it said:
“If you knew that a beggar makes 1500 USD/month, will you still give him money?”
Now, I am aware that no all of them are making this money, but still can make a lot more then a regular salary.
It could be that some are in a big need, therefore the safe way is to give them food or buying them food on the spot.

Greetings from Cluj!

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